Schemas
Schema Normal healthy development• Core needs are adequately (not necessarily perfectly) met.
‘Healthy’ schemasWhen healthy schemas are in operation we will feelcomfortable with the following statements:• I am worthy of respect, lovable, able to take responsibility for myself and my choices.• Others are generally well disposed towards me and can be trusted.• The world is generally a safe place.
Early ‘Maladaptive’ Schemas (EMS)When the developing child’s core emotional needs areCHRONICALLY not met the child develops earlymaladaptive schemas (EMS) which persist intoadulthood.Definition EMS: ‘a broad, pervasive theme or patterncomprised of memories, emotions, cognitions, and bodilysensations regarding oneself and one’s relationship withothers developed during childhood or adolescenceelaborated throughout one’s lifetime and dysfunctional toa significant degree.’ (Young et al, 2003, p 7)
Coping stylesThree main coping styles people use when theirschemas are activated.• Surrender (freeze)• Escape/avoid (flight)• Counterattack/overcompensate (fight)
Coping Response (examples):-• Defectiveness-shame (schema): avoid expressing true feelings and thoughts and letting others get close (Escape); Putting oneself down (Surrender)• Abandonment (schema): selecting and staying with partners who cannot commit (Surrender) or clinging so hard to partners that they end up pushing them away (Counterattack)• Emotional deprivation (schema): avoiding intimate relationships (Escape), selecting emotionally depriving partners and not asking/expecting for needs to be met (Surrender), acting in an emotionally demanding way with partners and friends (Counterattack)
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